NEWS
ÖFB had contact with DFB talent from Serie A
The centre-back recently played for the DFB, and has also appeared for Italy. There was also contact with the ÖFB.
Austria is actually very well positioned in terms of centre-backs in the men's national football team.
In the background, however, the ÖFB seems to have made contact with a Serie A player. Matteo Palma (18) of Udinese Calcio confirmed this to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio: "I had contacts with Italy, Germany and Austria, but I haven't decided yet."
Appearances for DFB and Italy
The 18-year-old grew up in Berlin. His father is of Austrian-Italian descent, and his mother has German and Cameroonian roots.
Palma played for Italy's U15 in 2022, and represented the DFB at junior level in 2023 and 2024. The defender moved from the Hertha BSC youth academy to Udinese Calcio in 2022.
Serie A Experience
For the club, he has so far made seven appearances in Serie A, and spent the past spring on loan in Serie B (eleven appearances) with Sampdoria Genoa.
His contract with the club is long-term, running until 2031. The player's market value is eight million euros. Interest from Germany and Italy in the player was already known. Palma himself is now bringing the ÖFB into play.
